Remembering APJ Abdul Kalam, the Missile Man of India, on His 89th Birth Anniversary

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, popularly known as APJ Abdul Kalam, would have turned a year older today. Born on October 15, 1931, Kalam served as the 11th President of India. Apart from the post of the President, he served in various capacities and is remembered for his contribution to the nation.

The life story of Kalam tells about the power of dreams. He was born in a modest family. In his childhood days, he faced hard times, but he worked hard and studied well to achieve his goals. He attended St. Joseph's College and went on to study aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology.

He joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a senior scientific assistant in 1958. Kalam later became a part of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1969. AT ISRO, he was given the responsibility of project director of the SLV-III, the first satellite launch vehicle. This launch vehicle was designed and produced in the country.